Why SkyRoam Won't Work For Me

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I don't have a SkyRoam, and have never tried or used it.  I'm sure its a good device and service because it gets great reviews on Amazon.  So this is not a review of the device, just some preliminary findings based on what I wanted to know before I spend money to consider reviewing or evaluating SkyRoam.

I had to dig a little bit about this for a number of things:

1. Where does it work?

2. How fast are the speeds?

3. Cost for the data?

4. What don't they tell you up front?

 

1. It works pretty much globally.

2. Somewhere between 3G and 4G speeds.  

3. $8-$10 a day 'unlimited'

4. You only get 350MB of high speed.  After that you get 2G speeds, which is very, very slow.  "

"Note: Skyroam is not optimized for video services like YouTube, Netflix or other heavy streaming activities."

The answer to #4 pretty much makes this no better than what T-Mobile already provides for me on my phone.  I can get slow speeds that are OK for emails, and light browsing already with no additional cost with my plan in many countries.
What I want to be able to do is upload photos and videos while on the go, and the SkyRoam only ensures that I can send and receive emails for $10 USD a day which is something I already get with my T-Mobile Plan.
**Not an endorsement for Tmobile and SkyRoam**

AT&T, What Are You Thinking?

in , ,

Sure, you (Cingular) helped to bring us the iPhone when the other carriers wouldn't put their trust in Apple.  You gave us the fastest 3G data speeds for a while.  You even attempted to give us an unlimited data plan for an unheard of price with the announcement of the first iPad.

But your cell tower coverage is seriously lacking.  I get at least one dropped call a day, and I had to get my own Microcell just so that I could get reception at home.  You took away the unlimited data plan from the iPad less than two months since launch.

Now Verizon has the iPhone too, and their 4G LTE speeds leave your 3G in the dust.  You have just limited your unlimited data plan you promised to us early iPhone adopters by throttling it.  You are threatening to bill us for tethering our data plans.  That's like the cable company asking us to pay for each tv we hook up in our house.  Your cell coverage still sucks. 

Explain to me again why I should stay loyal to you when my contract is up?

Crappy AT&T 3G cell reception? AT&T has an answer for you.

in , ,

Meet the new AT&T Microcell.  Its only available in select test areas - sadly not in any areas which I frequent.  You can enter your zip code in to see if available in your zip code.

Oh, and it only works for phones that support 3G.

"

AT&T 3G MicroCell acts like a mini cellular tower in your home or small business environment. It connects to AT&T's network via your existing broadband Internet service (such as DSL or cable) and is designed to support up to four simultaneous users in a home or small business setting. With AT&T 3G MicroCell, you receive improved cellular signal performance for both voice calls and cellular data applications like picture messaging and surfing the Web.

Device Features:

  • Enhanced coverage indoors – supports both voice and data up to 5000 square feet
  • Available unlimited minute plans – individual or FamilyTalk plans.
  • 3G handset compatible – works with any AT&T 3G phone.
  • Supports up to four voice or data users at once.
  • Device is secure – cannot be accessed by unauthorized users, easy and secure online management of device settings
  • Seamless call hand-over – start calls on your 3G MicroCell and continue without interruption, even if you leave the building.

Device Requirements:

  • 3G wireless phone/device
  • Broadband service over DSL or cable
  • Computer with Internet access for online registration

Additional Information:

  • Installing your device near a window is strongly recommended to ensure access to Global Positioning System (GPS). A GPS link is needed to verify the device location during the initial startup.
  • The 3G MicroCell device is portable. The device may be moved, provided the new location is within the AT&T authorized service area and properly registered online."

Remember those AT&T ads in the 90s about what was to come? Video Phones... oooh ahhh!

in , , ,

Well, its not AT&T that is bringing that technology to the masses.  Really we have to thank Skype (which was bought by eBay a few years ago) - this year looks like things are about to change.

Their motto is: Skype – the whole world can talk for free

Well with the Asus EEE Skype phone available now:

 

ASUS AIGURUSV1T Eee Skype Video Phone for $199.99

it looks like it may be mainstream starting this decade. CES already showed a lot of premium flat-screen TVs with built-in skype video calling.  But nobody had a good clear demonstration to show.

Check this video out of the skype video phone by Asus though:

 Even I'm impressed.